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We have a Sound Mind – not a Spirit of Fear

I am behind on my reading from Rick Renner’s Sparkling Gems from the Greek. 

Behind and yet right on time.

Tonight I picked up where I left off before our recent travels and was delighted to see the verse was one I had chosen as my first memory verse for 2015.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. 

I have used this verse in my life to combat my tendency to default to fear and dread of any and all upcoming situations, decisions and the wildest imagination you could…well…imagine.

But in the reading, I learned that Paul actually sent this encouragement to Timothy in a time where the temptation to fear had some real teeth to it.

Timothy was facing the threat of being arrested by Nero’s secret police, which would mean being martyred in some cruel and inhumane way just because he was a Christian in that ancient world…..but….wait a minute….

A hop over to the current headlines reveals 21 men kneeling on a beach in orange jumpsuits. Their hands are strapped behind their backs. Behind them stand 21 executioners.

I have sat staring at their faces tonight, in photos showing them awaiting their execution.

Steadfast.

Serene.

Secure.

Surely these men are the picture of the words of Paul…we have not been given a spirit of fear…

But of power….

and love…

and a sound mind.

May we be as strong as they were should the day come for us to die for being Christ-followers.

And TODAY….it is time for us to take hold of the Spirit that has been given to us.

And to LIVE as visible, powerful, loving, sound-minded Christ-followers.

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